Find out HIV status as soon as possible

HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death for black women ages 25-34. Black Iowans are only 3 percent of the population, yet we account for 20 percent of all newly diagnosed as HIV positive cases. There are many reasons to account for this epidemic in the black community, but the biggest obstacle to care is not knowing you need it in the first place. Learn about safer sex practices; get tested to learn your status.

You deserve to be in charge of your life and your health. One of the easiest ways is finding out your HIV status and following up with care. Johnson County Public Health offers free HIV and Hepatitis C testing. Call 356-6038 for more information.

If you are tested and found to be negative, continue protecting yourself and encourage those that you are intimate with to get tested as well. If you are found to be positive, know that you are not alone. Seek a treatment plan with professionals who have worked with HIV-positive clients before and take care of yourself physically and emotionally.

There are many resources for newly diagnosed folks and anyone curious about HIV/AIDS. I recommend http://thebody.org or http://blackaids.org for more information or the Centers for Disease Control Hotline (1-800-232-4636).

Conner Spinks

Iowa City

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Find out HIV status as soon as possible

HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death for black women ages 25-34. Black Iowans are only 3 percent of the population, yet we account for 20 percent of all newly diagnosed as HIV positive cases.